Join us on Facebook Live as key leaders in the startup and tech community discuss the state of the innovation ecosystem.

Learn more about the speakers below:

JAMES GIBSON, MODERATOR
James Gibson is the CTO & Co-founder of Quottly, a higher education software firm that provides inter-institution registration and transfer software to colleges and universities. He graduated from the University of Florida in 2014 and 2015 with degrees in statistics, mathematics, and finance.

James is also a volunteer member of the startGNV Board of Directors, where he will soon begin his term as Board President for 2021.

MARK LONG, UF INNOVATE
Mark S. Long is currently the Director of Incubation Services for UF Innovate at the University of Florida, which includes the Sid Martin Biotechnology incubator in Progress Park, and UF Innovate | The Hub, a mixed-use facility in downtown Gainesville. He also is codirecting development in the 80-acre Gainesville Innovation District.

Mark was formerly a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Management at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, and a 2010/2012 winner of the IU Trustees Teaching Award. Mark is Senior Consultant for Salus Business Advisors, LLC, a global consulting company focused on accelerating efforts in business incubation, technology transfer, small business formation/management and economic development.

In 2014, he received the InBIA President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in Business Incubation. Mark has authored numerous books on incubation and economic development and is considered a global authority on policies, procedures, design and operations for business incubators. Mark is the former President and CEO of the Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation (IURTC).

TARA BLYTHE, INFOTECH
Tara Blythe serves as Vice President for Infotech, Inc. In this role, she leads organizational strategy, talent, and communications helping to cultivate the people-centric culture that has been present since its founding.

Entering its 40th year, Infotech consists of two core businesses. Infotech Systems provides software solutions that advance and automate construction while Infotech Consulting provides expert statistical and econometric litigation consulting services. With a diverse workforce, and collaborative, inclusive environment, Infotech is a thriving, Gainesville-born pioneer of innovation, committed to its family of employees, customers, and community.

Tara is also an adjunct Faculty member for Executive Education at the University of Florida. She has over 20 years of leadership experience in the areas of business strategy, organizational development, and talent management.

A proud member of the Gator Nation, Tara earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Florida. Additionally, she holds an Ed.S. in Human Resources and Organizational Development from the University of Georgia, and her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification.

DOMENIC ALUISE, RDM
Domenic Aluise is co-founder and CEO of Gainesville-based RDM LLC (Research, Development, and Manufacturing), a company focused on innovation through engineering. There, he works to ensure that RDM builds products with their clients, instead of for them.

Using 30 years of combined Computer-Aided Design experience and advanced prototyping machinery, RDM works to offer a full suite of engineering services. Their specialty in low-volume manufacturing and hands-on interaction with clients during the design and development process results in a cost effective bridge between prototype and final product.

When he isn’t wearing his CEO or startup founder hat, Domenic is a full-time student at the University of Florida, where he studies Industrial Systems Engineering. In 2017, his former company Band.It was awarded a $25,000 grant for the Big Idea Competition courtesy of the UF Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center.

This event is made possible with support from our Annual Partners of startGNV:
Interactive Resources
OPIE Software
Hutchison PLLC
Three Five Two
Infotech
Feathr
Santa Fe College
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